They are devoid of style, uniqueness, and are generally unpleasant to look at. If your brand uses rounded shapes, and disproportionate styling to highlight an abstract, cartoonish brand identity, then they would fit in. But as they are currently used, they stick out like a sore thumb because they often take no cues from the rest of the illustration, color schemes, or branding on the site. Essentially, they are repeating the same mistakes of Clipart from two decades ago.
My suspicion as to why they are prevalent is because they are a cost efficient and low-effort way to achieve human illustrations in media that can be done by entry-level designers. Also, by bearing no semblance to any real human figure, the body-image conscious crowd can't complain about shaming or exclusivity in marketing.
The point of this article is to expose the phoniness of the Left's political machine. How is what's uncovered in this article any better for democracy than the Murdochs and Kochs?
Does anyone actually believe these long-winded articles that attempt to paint some sort of contentious, arms-length relationship between the CCP and their state-funded tech companies?
Obviously, the relationship is messy. But it's undoubtedly basic cronyism, and these companies succeed because they are the 'chosen ones' and their direct ties to government officials.
My suspicion as to why they are prevalent is because they are a cost efficient and low-effort way to achieve human illustrations in media that can be done by entry-level designers. Also, by bearing no semblance to any real human figure, the body-image conscious crowd can't complain about shaming or exclusivity in marketing.